The second chapter of the Rule of Carmel has this to say: "In many and various ways the holy fathers established how everyone, whatever his order or whatever kind of religious life he has chosen, must live in allegiance to Jesus Christ and serve him faithfully from a pure heart and a good conscience."
November 23 is the Solemnity of Christ the King and the last Sunday in the liturgical year. Next Sunday, November 30 is the First Sunday of Advent. The whole Church gathers in churches everywhere to give glory and homage and pledge our allegiance to the King of Kings and Lord of lords. We acknowledge the kingship of Christ and so I reflect on what this kingship means.
The life of Jesus was a paradox. He was the God who lowered himself and assumed a human estate. He was the Master who served his disciples at the Last Supper. He was the Teacher who showed surprise at the faith of the centurion. He was the innocent man who was crucified for a man-made crime. And now, a King, flogged and mocked, stripped naked, crowned with thorns, dragged on the streets and crucified on the cross. What a pathetic King! A joke of a kingship! And so they all thought...
